2015 Blind Spot Series: Enter The Void
What I knew going in: That this film would be very trippy, and something about a penis.
With the amount of people that told me I need to see this, I was expecting this film to be much older. It was released in 2009. Easily my youngest Blind Spot.
Oscar (Nathanial Brown) is an American drug dealer living in Tokyo that is shot and killed early on in the film. The film is shot entirely from his perspective. First as he's alive, he's our eyes in real time. Then after he's passed, we hover above our remaining characters; His younger sister, Linda (Paz del la Huerta) and friends Alex (Cyril Roy) and Victor. (Olly Alexander)
This movie is so beyond belief fucked up I can hardly explain it. The opening credits alone should come with a seizure warning. It's full of psychedelic graphics that cut away from the story, but strangely work with the narrative. There were a few times that I found the film to be a bit much, but it was very interesting. The acting in this movie is a bit weak to be honest. (minus Olly Alexander) It relies heavily on the atmosphere to tell its story, but thankfully that's enough.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: B+
Memorable Quote: "Do you remember our pact?" - Oscar (Nathaniel Brown)
I remember wanting to see this back in 2010 and being told I needed to...but I never did. Maybe I'll check this out.
ReplyDeleteYou should, it's on Netflix Instant.
DeleteThis sounds interesting. I'd like to see how this plays out. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI actually didn't hate this one completely, given whose movie it is, and the look and the idea behind it were enough to keep me interested
ReplyDeleteI am surprised it worked for me too, honestly. Especially with the cut away graphics, I hated it when Terence Malick did that.
DeleteI was blown away by this film as I was in complete and total shock over the film as I ended up picking as the best first-timer of 2013. Gaspar Noe is really unlike any other filmmaker as I'm going to delve more into his work this year for my Auteurs piece later this summer.
ReplyDeleteI definitely need to see more of this guy as well.
DeleteWell.... since you're going to do that. I'm going to warn you about Irreversible.... you will never want to see that film after seeing it once. It's quite extreme.
DeleteExcept that movie..I know all about that one. lol. Not for me.
DeleteBest opening credit sequence?
ReplyDeleteThis is a film that, while I do admire the artistic ambition behind it, I don't see myself ever watching it again. No slight against the film. I just felt exhausted after it was over.
Best opening credit sequence?
ReplyDeleteThis is a film that, while I do admire the artistic ambition behind it, I don't see myself ever watching it again. No slight against the film. I just felt exhausted after it was over.
I can see that. This film is very ambitious. I'm kind of surprised how much it actually worked though. This film did a few things that Tree of Life did that I absolutely hated, but loved here.
DeleteI would be 100% on board if they were to put a seizure warning on those opening credits. It's seriously ambitious film-making with lots going on, but isn't always coherent. Love the theme of reincarnation that runs through much of it. However, it was a chore to get through and I'm not sure I'll put myself through it again.
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely pretty long, I'm not sure if this is a film I'd recommend for several repeat viewings, but I would definitely watch it again.
DeleteWhat does it say about me that this line "This movie is so beyond belief fucked up I can hardly explain it" makes me determined to add it to my queue right now? :-) Of course, you probably already knew that. Awesome review!
ReplyDeletelol, it's on Netflix Instant at the moment! It's a weird one.
DeleteThis movie is a trip, but I really liked it. LOVE the look of the film.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! I'm not sure if I'll ever see a more bizarre film than this one.
DeleteHaven't watched this one yet, but I love the idea that the acting was not superb but the atmosphere was okay. It sounds a little absurd, but I'll give it a shot
ReplyDeleteIt's very absurd!
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